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If you’re an avid reader, as many of us on Book Series Recaps are, you may want to give Kindle Vella a try.

Kindle Vella is a new reading platform by Amazon that allows consumers to read books in episodes. Think of it like a T.V. show. A network or streaming service releases new episodes on a schedule just as an author will publish episodes (or chapters) on Kindle Vella as they are written or perhaps on a set schedule. An author will mark a book as complete when no new episodes remain. You can follow a story to be notified when new material is available.

This Dreamer by Sara Watterson

Want to jump right in?

Visit the story page for This Dreamer (or search “Sara Watterson” in the Kindle App) to see what we’re talking about. (Amazon login may be required.)

How can I read a Kindle Vella story?

You can read a story in a web browser at https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella or through the Kindle app on your phone, tablet, or another device. If you already read ebooks on the Kindle App, you’re all set to dive right in. If not, you can get the Kindle App for free in your app store.

Reading and following a story requires a login using your Amazon account.

How can I read a Kindle Vella story in the Kindle App?

Once you’ve installed the Kindle App and logged into your Amazon account, you can begin exploring the Kindle Vella stories. Touch the “Discover” link at the bottom of the screen, then “Kindle Vella” near the middle. 

From here, you can browse by category, tags, top faved, previously viewed, and you can also search for something specific.

Claim Your Free Tokens

If you haven’t yet, claim your free tokens. Touch the words “FREE tokens” in the top right.

This grants you 200 tokens, a $1.99 value. You can read the first three episodes of any story for free. After that, you will spend your tokens to unlock more. One token buys 100 words, so a 1000 word episode costs ten tokens, a 2000 word episode costs 20 tokens, and so on.

Once you’ve claimed your tokens, they’ll show up on your screen.

Search for Stories

You can search for a specific author, title, or keyword in the search box.

When you find one you like, open the story page. This page will show you the cover, blurb, story tags, how many episodes are currently published, and how many likes it has. You can also leave a review, see when it was last updated, and follow the story. To follow, tap the blue button.

Now, start reading! As mentioned, the first three episodes are free. They will let you know when it’s time to start using your tokens.

Interact with the author and give feedback

At the end of each episode, you can touch the thumbs up to give the author a little appreciation. Also, look for the note from the author.

Buying Tokens in Kindle Vella

To buy more tokens, touch the tokens link at the top. When you purchase, the cost will be charged to either your Amazon account or to your app store. If you buy within the Kindle App, you will have fewer options, and the tokens actually cost more. There are more options and lower bulk prices if you use a web browser and buy directly from Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella. (See my screenshots below.)

The cost of Tokens in the Kindle App

This screenshot is from an iPhone in the Kindle App. Apple will charge your credit card in the app store if buying from here, just like any in-app purchase on your phone.

The cost of tokens on Amazon.com

This screenshot is from a web browser at https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella. If buying from here, the cost will be charged to your Amazon account. As you can see, you can get more for your money through Amazon.

Tip: You can purchase your tokens at Amazon.com, and they will automatically show up for you to use in the Kindle App. 


Article by Sara Watterson

Check out Sara’s Kindle Vella story, This Dreamer, now. Click the link or search for “Sara Watterson” in the Kindle App.


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